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Discovering Jock Safari Lodge: A Jewel in Kruger National Park

Blog by Jock Safari Lodge

Jock Safari Lodge is dedicated to crafting an authentic, immersive safari experience that celebrates its unique location. Situated in the southern reaches of South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park, rich with culture, history and heritage. The lodge invites guests to step back in time—to an era of nostalgic exploration where the beauty and simplicity of nature take centre stage. This private lodge is renowned for its commitment to conservation and personalised guest experiences, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the ultimate African safari adventure.

A Rich History

Jock Safari Lodge takes its name from Sir Percy FitzPatrick’s classic book, Jock of the Bushveld, a tale inspired by his adventures in the region during the late 19th century. The lodge pays homage to this legacy, capturing the spirit of exploration and respect for the wild that FitzPatrick and his loyal dog, Jock, embodied.

Location and Setting

Situated on a 6,000-hectare private concession within Kruger National Park, the lodge offers guests exclusive access to some of the park’s most pristine landscapes and abundant wildlife. The confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers creates a lush environment, attracting a diverse range of animals year-round.

Luxury Meets Nature

Keeping in tone with the concession’s unique historical significance, Jock Safari Lodge seamlessly vintage charm with classic touches that celebrate the romance and allure of a bygone era. And the surrounding untamed wilderness. More than just a luxury retreat, Jock aspires to be a self-sustaining operation heavily invested in supporting the surrounding community, driving impactful initiatives to benefit both the environment and local residents.

Accommodations are designed to reflect the natural surroundings while providing modern comforts. The main lodge offers 12 private suites, each with its own plunge pool, outdoor shower, and terrace overlooking the bush. For families or larger groups, Fitzpatrick’s at Jock provides a more intimate villa setting with three exclusive suites.

Guests can enjoy gourmet meals under the stars, sip cocktails by the fire pit, or relax in the serene spa, which offers treatments inspired by African healing rituals.

Unforgettable Safari Experiences

The true highlight of any stay at Jock Safari Lodge is the opportunity to explore Kruger National Park with expert guides. Morning and evening game drives offer exhilarating encounters with wildlife, from majestic elephants grazing by the riverside to stealthy leopards stalking their prey.

For those who prefer a more immersive experience, guided walking safaris allow guests to connect with the finer details of the bush, learning about its flora, fauna, and ancient cultural heritage. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the park’s 500+ bird species, while photography enthusiasts can capture breathtaking moments with the guidance of seasoned rangers.

Commitment to Conservation

Jock strives to emphasise and create awareness that true luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand without compromise, with each stay making a meaningful and positive impact through its unique non-profit ownership. By prioritising nature and community over profit, Jock empowers guests to make an informed choice—to support a lodge with a purpose and help leave a legacy of preservation for the benefit of future generations.

A Destination for All Seasons

Whether you visit during the dry season, when animals congregate around waterholes, or the lush green season, when the park comes alive with new life, Jock Safari Lodge promises a magical experience.

Embark on a journey to Jock Safari Lodge, where the spirit of the bushveld comes alive, and memories are crafted under the African sky.

Our best experience of Kruger was at Jock’s. You can feel the love for nature in the heart and soul of the wonderful owners. The rooms are practically in the wild. We saw elephants just passing in front of the room. Sleeping in matras under the stars (if you want), amazing food in the river bed. Will never forget this experience!

-Jacob Yavin Vermeulen

We recently stayed here for 3 nights. We had read about Jocks and the strong recommendations. This place is better than ever expected, truly a magical place. The staff were exceptional, food 5 star and location amazing. The safari drives were also amazing and our guide IKE looked after us and was an amazing tracker. There are only 12 rooms so max 24 guest so you get to know the other guest without being overcrowded – the rooms are private and sit on-top of the river bank – you can watch the animals walking past from your day bed. Honestly this place is first class. We were self drive so easy access for Skuska airport or main Kruger gates. As it it a private lodge you get the added bonus of private areas as well as direct access to Kruger – truly amazing place and highly recommended. We were sad to leave and will return.

-John Smith

Jock Safari Lodge is located in the heart of the Kruger national park. It’s amazing location gives you a unique and real safari vibe. The lodge itself looks so amazing, stunning rooms, restaurant and relax areas. When you arrive at the lodge you will be welcomed by the amazing staff, that will tell you what the planning looks like. The planning is really amazing, you will get so much food and drinks, on top of that 2 amazing safaris with the best rangers! The safaris are really something else, private routes and amazing storys. The staff and everyone is really amazing at the lodge, this is a must do experience!

-Teuni D

The lodge is advertised as 5 star but I’d happily give it 6. Everything was perfect for the 3 night stay myself and my wife had, The room was spacious, clean and had everything you could want. The double shower cubicle was huge.There was an outside shower and bath, sunbeds, plunge pool, patio table with chairs and even a meshed tented area on the end of the platform overlooking the river bed with a made up double bed in case you wanted to sleep under the stars. The lodge staff were amazing, friendly and nothing was too much for them, Evening meals were fantastic, two of which were Brais (BBQ’s) on the river bed. The game drives were brilliant and our guide (not Driver!!) David, was really friendly and knowledgeable. We got the big 5 twice over. Will definitely be returning for a stay in the winter. Have done previous lodges in Kruger, Zimbabwe and Kenya but this tops them all.

-R. Davie

We spent several days here in early March — simply, the best! Very comfortable room and excellent food, with a warm staff. Highlights are the twice a day game drives. This definitely is not “pre-packaged” stuff — your guide (ours was Jacob) has a keen sense of where to find the animals, and drives over river beds and down back trails to find them -in a respectful way. We eagerly anticipated this part of our trip, and it exceeded expectations. You must go to have this experience.

-Robert D

I visited Kruger and Jock Lodge in 2017 and all I wanted to do is come back. That happened in Jan 2022 and once again it was wonderful in every way. The location is on a normally dry river bed so you can see wildlife from your window or terrace. The staff is so gracious and helpful. The wildlife guides are the most knowledgable and enthusiastic I have ever met. I come for the beauty and the animals and Jock Lodge delivers every time.

-Eva Fellner

Our best experience of Kruger was at Jock’s. You can feel the love for nature in the heart and soul of the wonderful owners. The rooms are practically in the wild. We saw elephants just passing in front of the room. Sleeping in matras under the stars (if you want), amazing food in the river bed. Will never forget this experience!

-Jacob Yavin Vermeulen

We recently stayed here for 3 nights. We had read about Jocks and the strong recommendations. This place is better than ever expected, truly a magical place. The staff were exceptional, food 5 star and location amazing. The safari drives were also amazing and our guide IKE looked after us and was an amazing tracker. There are only 12 rooms so max 24 guest so you get to know the other guest without being overcrowded – the rooms are private and sit on-top of the river bank – you can watch the animals walking past from your day bed. Honestly this place is first class. We were self drive so easy access for Skuska airport or main Kruger gates. As it it a private lodge you get the added bonus of private areas as well as direct access to Kruger – truly amazing place and highly recommended. We were sad to leave and will return.

-John Smith
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